‘Sorry to see it go’: Man watches childhood home burn in Medford

MEDFORD, Mass. — Investigators are working to determine what sparked a fire at a duplex at 42-44 George St. in Medford.

“I lived here all my life, I’ve been attached to that house,” said former resident John Ruggieri. “I came home practically from the hospital. My grandparents bought it in 1934.”

Medford Fire Chief John Freedman said crews found heavy fire on the back porch of the home around 10 p.m. Saturday. From there, the flames spread quickly.

“They initially knocked the fire down on the outside and then the companies went in, and the fire progressed and got into the walls, and we ended up having to go defensive operations,” Freedman said. “Once the fire gets into the confined spaces where the walls are up to the attic, it’s very difficult to access that area.”

The 4-alarm fire drew crews from multiple surrounding communities.

No firefighters were hurt, and all of the residents got out safely.

Crews were back at the home Sunday boarding it up.

While Ruggieri no longer lives in the home, he said he was heartbroken to see it burn.

“I’ve been attached to that house forever,” Ruggieri said. “I’m just sorry to see it go.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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